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Sean+Dana
15 Year Vow Renewal

Dana walked into the college campus fellowship night as if it were any other night. As her eyes scanned the room, they quickly landed on the gentleman playing the guitar. They had not yet met, but she thought to herself, “I’m going to marry that guy.” A real story of love at first sight.

The handsome guitar player was Sean. And the thought Dana had that night did come true. The two quickly became friends, fell in love, and got married. When you find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to start right now. I stole that line from When Harry Met Sally.

They promised their lives to one another in the home where Dana grew up. 15 years later, they renewed those vows at the very same place with all of their original wedding guests. Well, almost. This time their daughter and two sons joined them for the special occasion.

Sean and Dana, your vow renewal was beyond what I could have ever imagined. It was romantic, sentimental, and downright fun. Thank you for inviting us to not only be a part of documenting the day, but also a part of celebrating the two of you. Your love is strong and sweet and I’m confident you’ll be celebrating for years to come. We love you!

Couple kissing in the driveway - the place where they first kissedSan Mateo backyard 15 year vow renewalCouple embracing with the wedding ringCouple kissing each other with their kids around them watchingFamily portrait on the front porch of the house
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A Photo Date

Whether Vitaliy and I are photographing a couple celebrating their engagement, an anniversary or just because, we encourage our clients to approach their time with us as a date. This is why we call our portrait sessions “a photo date.”

Two years ago Vitaliy and I decided to get some professional photos taken. I was surprised to find that I was extremely nervous as the day approached. Let’s just face it, being in front of the camera is intimidating.

During this photoshoot, Vitaliy will tell you, he kind of fell in love with me all over again. It was the first time we’d had our pictures taken since our wedding. And as most couples will find themselves in marriage, you do a lot of living side by side and not enough living face to face. Getting all dressed up, away from everyday life, and getting to look at each other, to really see each other, was a very special experience.

Ever since that photoshoot, we have approached photographing our clients differently. For us, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the photos. We want our couples to have a blast and fall more in love by the end of the session.

One of the ways we like to make this happen is with some form of “date idea” incorporated into the session. Take for example the Beach Party For Two. Having items like the beach ball and the picnic lunch helped loosen Kate and Brian up. It was less about us in front of them with a camera and more about the two of them having fun together. This encourages natural expressions instead of stiff, and sometimes uncomfortable posing.

And by the end of the session, everyone is at ease. They’ve had a good time. They realize being photographed is not as intimidating as they once thought. And they’re more comfortable with us too. This is the sweet part of the photoshoot. It’s at this point that we can push them a bit passed their comfort level where they’re willing to connect with one another in a way they typically only do when nobody else is around.

They’ll look at each other in that way that no one ever sees. Share the caress that is usually only shared when they’re alone. They finally let us in.

We are then able to deliver photos like these. No props or details. Just the two of them. Kate and Brian. Exactly as they are, in love.

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The eyes of Pictilio

Vitaliy and I often refer to me as the “voice” of Pictilio.

I am the one who usually corresponds with our clients over email. And I am the one who writes for this blog. But sometimes, I feel like it’s an inaccurate portrayal.

Vitaliy is definitely the “eyes” of Pictilio; the majority of the pictures displayed come from his handiwork. But even more than that, he is my inspiration. He inspires a lot of the things I write about and he is definitely a reason I am excited to celebrate love.

I keep saying that I want him to write for Pictilio because I feel like he has so much to offer. He hasn’t agreed to officially write, but he was willing to give you a little glimpse inside. Here is V’s version of the post I wrote about myself a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

10 things you may or may not need to know about me.

1. I enjoy a glass of scotch and a cigar.
2. I am very ticklish, and Candace takes advantage of it.
3. I buy things I don’t need or want just to get a deal.
4. I consider my moustache to be my greatest asset.
5. I fall asleep listening to movie soundtracks.
6. Sometimes when I step in front of a mirror I act out a fictional character.
7. I am a book fiend.
8. I required Candace to like garlic and sour cream before we could get married.
9. I always fill my tea cup to the brim.
10. I am a rebel.

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